901From James Madison to Nathan Sanford, 31 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Nathan Sanford. 31 Aug. 1806, Department of State. “Your letter of the 21st. inst. has been duly recd. The President thinks it proper that Thomas Lewis, stated to have been indicted in April for his Agency in preparing the expeditions of the Ship Leander, and to have returned to New York, should be brought to trial. You will be pleased therefore to take the steps requisite for that...
902From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 12 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1803, Department of State. “The Secretary of State has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Thornton’s letter of the 3rd. inst. and to enclose him a copy of an order given by the Navy Department to its Agents in London, requiring them to pay the account for supplies furnished by His Britannic Majesty’s agent at Malta to the American frigate Boston, and also to liquidate such...
903From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To an Unidentified Correspondent. 10 June 1806, Washington. “The Book of Reports for Mr. Creighton was sent to the office to be put up for the Mail; but by mistake was allotted to our own shelves. The mistake is corrected in consequence of your letter of May 30. just recd. [not found] and with this the Book is addressed to you.” RC ( NIC ). 1 p.
904From James Madison to John and James De Wolf, 30 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 18th. has been received stating that the board of Commissioners sitting in London under the British Treaty had refused your claim for further compensation on account of the capture and condemnation of the Snow Sukey, grounding their refusal on a mistaken conception, that the slave trade, in which she was engaged, was contrary to our laws at the time of capture. If you recur...
905From James Madison to Lewis Le Coulteux, 18 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have transmitted instructions to the Minister of the United States in London to apply to the British Government for compensation for the losses and sufferings you sustained by being arrested and detained in Canada as a prisoner of war. He has been apprized that it is your intention to produce your papers and the agency of your claim to Mr. Erving, and that the former will be communicated to...
906From James Madison to Ira Allen, 4 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Having received no official information respecting the decision in the case of the Olive Branch, I can only inform you, in consequence of your letter of the 1st. inst., that no convention exists between the two Nations af[f]ording a special remedy adapted to the circumstances under which the decree of restitution is made. I am &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14).
907To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. with the accompanying papers. The communications &c. recd. since my last are enclosed. The letters from Paris are important, but I do not see in them the Wish of the F. Govt. to retract the bargain with our Ministers, so much as an anxiety to secure its execution agst. the intrusions of G.B. and to feel thro’ their pulse, whether we were or were likely to be in...
908From James Madison to William Willis, 13 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 June 1804, Department of State. “The answer I have forwarded to your letter intimating that you intended to draw upon me for the balance of your account, will explain the reason why the Bill enclosed in your letter of the 5th. inst. cannot be accepted and is herewith returned. I have sent your account to the Treasury for settlement, which will be entered upon, as soon as you furnish the...
909From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 10 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1802, Department of State. Has received O’Brien’s letters “down to that of . Several statements of your accounts are included in the reception, which will go for settlement to the Treasury Department.” O’Brien’s bills in favor of John Shaw were paid, and a recent bill for $200 drawn by his mother will be paid, but no other drafts should be made until the settlement is closed. Explains...
910From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the event of a war, or even of a general stop to the commerce with Great Britain, the renewal of the intercourse with St. Domingo, will become an object of great importance to the United States. In a letter of the 31 Jany 1804 to Mr Livingston, your predecessor, observations on the subject of this intercourse were addressed to the inte rest of France, as requiring her acquiescence in it....
911From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 18 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Merchants of Philadelphia interested in the property detained in the Spanish ports of South America, have charged Mr Richard W. Meade with an Agency in respect to it. He will accordingly proceed to Madrid and from thence to South America. The knowledge you have already acquired of this business and the communications with which Mr Meade will further elucidate it, render superfluous at...
912From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [ca. 6 November] 1805 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 1st. instant, my dearest gives me much happiness, but it can not be compleat till I have you again secure with me. Let me know the moment you can of the time you will set out that I may make arrangements for paying th⟨e⟩; Dr. &c. My Tobo. has been sold in Richd, but unfortunately th⟨e⟩; bills are not yet come on, and are on N. York at 60 days, so that some negociation will be...
913From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th. enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the latter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
914From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 3 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of June 30th. found me preparing to fulfill the promise of which it reminds me on the subject of the ship Windsor. The delay has proceeded from other demands which fell on the attention of the attorney General, and from the necessity of some additional enquiries within the Treasury Department. It appears that before the order for the departure of this vessel could be carried into...
915From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 10 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States being desirous of availing the public of your services as Minister Plenipotentiary to His Catholic Majesty, I have the honor to enclose your commission . As in many respects it would be desireable, that we should have the pleasure of your presence at the seat of government, before your departure for Spain, if it can be reconciled with your private...
916Re Estimate for the service of the year, 20 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Estimate for the service of the year 1807. Foreign Intercourse. Salaries of three Ministers, viz. to London, Paris & Madrid @ $9,000 is $27,000 } D o : for their 3 Secretaries @ 1,350 4,050 Contingent expenses of those Missions 2,000 Contingencies of Foreign Intercourse 20,000 $53,000
917To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I reced. this morning your favor of the 17th. instant. Among the papers inclosed from N. Orleans is a copy of the Charter issued by Govr. Claibourne. From the date it appears to be prior to the Act of Congress, and not to be nullified thereby, unless the Act of Congress have a repealing effect. How far this may be the case, how far the authority of the Govr. may have been sufficient to grant...
918From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 19 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have to request that you cause an advance to be made to Wm: Lewis, of one thousand dollars, to be paid out of the fund appropriated for the Intercourse of the United States, with foreign Nations. The said Lewis to be charged accordingly on the Books of the Treasury, & held accountable. It will be most convenient to Mr. Lewis to receive the money in New York, upon his arrival in that City. I...
919From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
I recd. duly your favor of the 11th. at this place, where I am still very painfully detained by the situation of Mrs. M. The appearance of her knee is still equivocal; I am afraid discouraging as to a very prompt and compleat cure. I am the less able however to pronounce on this point, as the Dr. has been prevented by indisposition from seeing his patient for several days, and I cannot be...
920From James Madison to David Lenox, 1 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1802, Department of State, Washington. Encloses proofs of citizenship for Thomas G. Lay, supplied by Roger Griswold, and for Henry Bowlen. RC ( NjP : Crane Collection); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosures not found.
921From James Madison to William Cabell, 22 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to an Act of Congress, entitled An Act for the more general promulgation of the Laws of the United States, passed 3d. March 1795, and the Acts in addition thereto, passed on the 2d. March 1799 and on the 27 March 1804, I have transmitted to the Collector of the Customs at Baltimore 1254 copies of the Laws of the United States 1st. Session 9th. Congress, being the proportion for the...
922From James Madison to George Davis, 16 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 13th. inst. It is necessary in order to preclude any possible misconception, to observe that but two thousand dollars will be alowed by way of outfit, which may be referred either to your agency at Tunis or your appointment to Tripoli; but this one sum, together with the manner in which your Salary is made to commence, not as is customary from the time of...
923From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having been lately a good deal out of health, & the Chief Clerk confined by the same cause for some days past, several letters have been unavoidably unanswerd, & among them yours asking the aid of the Dept. of State in exchanging scientific information with a Correspondent in Europe. You will now please to accept the information that whatever facility can be properly afforded for the purpose...
924From James Madison to John McClallan, 4 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
The President having made choice of you, to proceed immediately as Commercial Agent for the Island of Java, in the East Indies, I inclose a Commission investing you with that character. Inclosed also is a copy of the ordinary instructions relating to such a trust. The particular instructions however, which follow, & relating to the object particularly inducing your appointment at the present...
925From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the gazette of this morning the letter from d’Yrujo, which he wished to be printed, and which will I hope do good. Pichon has also written a strong letter to the Govr. of Louisiana, summoning him on his responsibility, to see that the Cession of that province to France be not affected, nor the amicable relations of the Republic to the U. States, be endangered, by a...
926From James Madison to William Pinkney, 3 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Legislature of Maryland at their last session authorised the Governor to take measures in concurrence with the Executive of the United States to obtain restitution of the Bank Stock, which has been long a subject both of civil process and negotiation in London. As Mr. King will probably have left England before a communication on this subject could reach him, and as his successor may not...
927From James Madison to James Bowdoin, 23 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a Copy of the Act of Congress for suspending the prohibition to import certain British goods enacted during the last session. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect and consideration Your Most Obt. Servt. MBU .
928From James Madison to Richard Peters, 5 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself much indebted for the friendly sentiments expressed in your favor of the 9th. Ulto. and particularly for the volumes of admiralty decisions accompanying it. A good deal of public business having followed me into my retreat from the Seat of it, and rather more than usual of private being added, I have not been able to gratify myself with more than a glance into this Record of...
929From James Madison to William Eaton, 20 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of 2 & 18 Septr. 6 Octr. 1. 9. 10. 15. 16. 13. 25, 19, & 21 Novr. and 8th. Decr. have been received since the date of Mr. Lincoln’s letter by the Grand Turk, which sailed from New York in March last, with the third cargo of Regalia for Tunis. The proofs, which have been given by the Bashaw of Tripoli, of hostile designs against the United States, have, as you will learn from...
930From James Madison to McLellan & Brown (Abstract), 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 March 1805, Department of State . “The third instalment of British claims, will be payable in London until the 1st. of September next, and if not drawn from thence at that date, they will cease to be payable there, as they will be transfered to the United States. The third instalment, you will observe, is not due until the 15th. July next. Bills drawn upon Mr. Erving for any sum in his...
931From James Madison to William Hull, 10 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
Having asked and obtained the opinion of the Attorney General on certain points stated by the Secretary of the Michigan Territory, and as the opinion may be of use to you as well as to him, I enclose a copy of it, and am, Sir, with great respect, Your Very Obt. Servt. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
932From James Madison to William Cooke, 4 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a letter recommending your case to the support of the Governor of Cuba. The Convention between the United States and Spain, for liquidating claims to compensation for excesses committed by individuals of either nation upon those of the other, during the late war, has been lately ratified by the President and Senate. It now awaits only the exchange of ratifications at Madrid to be...
933From James Madison to Richard Forrest, 7 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours by Mr. Eno. When I took the liberty of asking your assistance in procuring me a few Merinoes, it was far from my intention to give you the trouble you have been so good as to take. As you are, however, on the spot, I avail myself of your kindness so far as to add a request, that you will have a few more Ewes purchased, if the sale tomorrow should offer bargains...
934From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 5 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Information has just been received that Capt. Douglas commanding the British Ship of War Boston, has undertaken to impress two Seamen, from an American Vessel shortly after she had proceeded to sea from the Port of Norfolk. The fact is regularly attested by a deposition of which a copy is inclosed, and from which it appears that one of the seamen is still detained on board the Boston; the...
935From James Madison to William Lyman (Abstract), 7 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
7 March 1805, Department of State . “As Mr. Erving will probably have left London before the receipt of the third Instalment under the late Convention with G. Britain, you will after ascertaining that point, give notice thro’ the public prints in London, that the drafts upon him of the American claimants under the Convention so far as they shall be conformable with the advertisment enclosed,...
936From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I returned to this City on the 24th. The President arrived the day after. General Dearbourn was here before. Messrs. Gallatin & Smith are daily expected. We have reassembled a little earlier after our full vacation than usual, in order to be the more prepared for the earlier meeting of Congress. The last letter recd. from you was of the 11th. of Augst by Mr. Baring who forwardd. that with the...
937Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [1 January] 1805 (Madison Papers)
⟨Mr.⟩ Levy Mr. Pinkney Judge Livingston Duvall. Granger. Rodney. J.T. Mason Dallas RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of Jefferson’s docket: “Departmt. State. recd. Jan. 1. 05. / Atty Genls.” Jefferson had asked members of his cabinet to suggest possible candidates to replace Levi Lincoln as attorney general (see Henry Dearborn to Jefferson, 2 Jan. 1805,...
938From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 27 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 20th. has been forwarded to me from the office of State, whence an imperfect answer was given. The Amn. intercourse act was never recd. from London; nor did I ever get a sight of it. There is much confusion, and some contradiction in the accts. relating to our affairs as republished from British papers. Having for a long time been without official information, I am unable to...
939From James Madison to Maurice Lisle, 29 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
It being understood that the charge of American Agent, which the interest of the United States seem to require at Tortola, would not be unacceptable to you, the President has been pleased to confer it upon you. It will relate 1st. to the superintendence of our Seamen in the place of your residence, and as far as is practicable and convenient in the adjacent Colonies & Islands; and 2dly. to the...
940From James Madison to John Armstrong, 10 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last of June 29th to Mr Livingston I have received his several communications under the dates of the 25 & 26th of July 8th. 28 & 29th of August & 4th of September. The course which the proceedings under the Convention for indemnifying our Citizens, has taken, seems to require no particular addition to the remarks and instructions already in your hands, until the result of them shall...
941From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 21 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 21 June 1806, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to place in the Branch Bank at Boston two thousand dollars from the appropriations for Barbary Intercourse, to the credit of James L. Cathcart, who is to be charged with the same.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
942To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 26 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the letter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
943From James Madison to John Wickham, 19 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 15th. instant. The affidavits, to which it refers, have not been filed in this Dept. nor is it recollected that any such have been transmitted to the Executive. Should they be hereafter recd. the copies which you request will be forwarded without delay. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
944From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 30 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Anthony Merry. 30 July 1805, Department of State. “I beg leave to trouble you with Duplicate Copies of a Document concerning Benjamin Moore, who appears to have been impressed into the British frigate Leander, which is supposed to be still somewhere on the American Coast; and to ask the Interposition of your good Offices, to effect the release of this man, whose Citizenship is fully...
945From James Madison to Jacob Latting, 30 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Jacob Latting. 30 July 1806, Department of State. “In answer to your letter of the 23d. inst. I can only observe that until the subjects of difference between the United States & Spain shall be arranged, there will be no avenue through which you can prosecute your claim.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15); Tr ( MoSHi : Thomas Jefferson Collection). Letterbook copy 1 p.;...
946From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 16 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. yours of the 25th. Ult: Your patents have been in my hands for some time, and wd. have been forwarded before my proposed trip to Orange in May, but for the expectation of being then the bearer of them myself. I know of no method by which you can obtain the surplus land, but that of buying warrants to cover it, and proceeding in the usual way. We are waiting anxiously for the...
947From James Madison to David Gelston, 10 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the present Mail you will receive sundry packets for Mr. Pinkney, under cover to Mr. Fox, Consul at Falmouth. Should no fit passenger be willing to take charge of them, I request the favor of you to put them into the ordinary Channel by the Packet, and to pay whatever may be due as postage. Should a Passenger, bound to London, take charge of them, it will be proper to engage him to let Mr....
948From James Madison to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 25 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the 22nd. inst. I have the honor to lay before them a copy of the instructions, as issued by the Department of State, under the direction of the President of the United States, in virtue of the Act of Congress, entitled, “An Act further to protect the commerce of the United States,” and passed on the 9th. of July 1798. These...
949From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose such of the communications from the office of State recd. since my arrival at home, as are worth your perusal. The letters from Mr. Livingston with the documents attached to them, being in the press copies are scarcely legible in many passages, and in some not to be made out at all. His secretary is not only lazy but disrespectful in not revising the copies and filling up the...
950From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 28 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1803, Department of State . Requests that a warrant for $600 be issued “on the appropriation for the contingent expences of the Department of State … in favor of Christopher S. Thom he to be charged and held accountable for the same.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. JM requested that Gallatin issue additional warrants, in amounts ranging from $190 to $43,000, for...